Giz Wiz #1549 December 17th 2015, our 33nd Independently Produced Giz Wiz Show

Lionel Creates Four Different “Non Powered Play Train Sets” for kids as young as two years of age. 

The one you'll see in the Giz Wiz video is the Crayola Imagineering Non Powered Play Set. (No batteries, no AC, kids have fun pushing them easily along the track. And kids can take their personalized caboose for a ride on the rails with the new Crayola train set by Lionel. Featuring quick-connect track and a working “Crayon Box Factory” kids will be in control of their own adventure. The new Imagineering line allows kids to expand and grow their world with separate sale track and accessories. (And of course with the help of mom and dad's credit card.) With many options, playtime can be never-ending! This set includes the Crayola steam engine, Crayola gondola, Color Me caboose, Four curve tracks, Two 9" straight tracks, Two 6" straight tracks, Two 3" straight tracks, Creation Station, One rainbow paraffin load, One Crayola box load and two Crayola Markers so kids can decorate the caboose. Other available sets include the Lionel John Deere Imagineering Non Powered PlaySet, Lionel Trains Batman Imagineering Non-Powered Playset and the new Batman Imagineering Playset with bold graphics to help restore order to Gotham City. And there's also a Lionel Polar Express Imagineering Non Powered Play Set.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Bc2czhXpPR8

Crayola Non Powered Playset: 

Lionel Crayola Imagineering Non Powered Play Set As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1549  

I know! Let's build some robots!

From the famous Hex Bug company, comes VEX IQ. This is a robotics platform designed to foster STEM learning by allowing you (or more likely your kids 8 & up) to build custom and programmable robots. With VEX IQ, you can jump right in and snap together these colorful robots using the intuitive, tool-less components. With their biggest kit, you can follow simple step by step instructions to build your first robot as you learn the basics, and then take advantage of the unmatched versatility of the VEX IQ system to build anything you can imagine! And remember, no tools required. The biggest, most sophisticated kit is $299.99, but they have kits that start at $25.00. Available at stores or online at the company website:

http://www.vexrobotics.com/

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/pHWkT4K0ScY

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1549 (Goes live late Friday 12/18/15)

Meet Dash & Dot.

Dash & Dot are smart robots for curious minds, mostly kids. These programmable robots help teach kids ages five and up how to code through hands-on, interactive play. Kids will discover a world of creativity and fun with the lovable robots that bring imaginations to life. Dash is an explorer who can do things like: Drive around, sense objects in front and behind, hear and respond to sounds. Dot is an instigator that can respond to how it is moved, send a signal for Dash to see where it is, and hear and respond to sounds. To get started and explore the world of Dash & Dot in no time, simply connect with Bluetooth and you'll be off and running with four free iOS and Android experiences. Accessories for Dash & Dot help give them additional looks and abilities. They include a xylophone, building brick connectors (compatible with LEGO bricks), a pusher bar, a smartphone mount to take videos, bunny ears, and a tow hook. Dash and a variety of robot and accessory packs are available starting from $169.99. Dot, the smaller non-moving robot sells for under $50. Accessories are available for individual purchase ranging from $19.99 to $39.99. Available on Amazon and at Apple retail stores. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/HwVCw-RNtGk

Wonder Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA9py48X6_o

Company Website: www.makewonder.com .

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1549   (Goes live late Friday 12/18/15)

Chad's Crappy Corner and his final kitchen gadget, his theme for December.

Chad polled our loyal (and much appreciated) Patreons and asked what theme they would like to see for December. They picked kitchen gadgets! For Chad's final gadget of the month he picked the Rollie Egg Maker. (We're doing two Specials this month, so there's no Chad's Crappy Corner for the last two shows of December, 2015. We're doing the 'best of 2015' and then 'the worst of 2015' for the last two shows of the year.)

Here's what Amazon says about it: Rollie, the innovative quick, simple and easy to use cooking system for every day convenience, and fun, bite size food product. No more having to bring out the frying pan, waiting for water to boil or have shells to peel. Discover a whole new way to prepare eggs and other tasty snacks in minutes! The Pop-Up Egg Maker is a fast and healthy way to cook eggs perfectly every time. Just crack an egg, pour it in and watch it get fully cooked in 6 to 8 minutes. Add cheese, onions, bacon etc. for a quick omelet on-a-stick. The unique vertical cooking chamber makes it easy to create dozens of fast and delicious treats for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! Includes silicone grip, cleaning brush and instruction guide/recipe book. $24.95.

And Chad's take: Chad thought he liked the Rollie at first. As you'll see in the video, he put some Pam in the device, and then two eggs. After it heated and the light turned green, Chad waited for his eggs to be cooked. He waited a long, long time, as much as ten minutes. When the eggs finally rose up out of the Rollie, looking like a real 'egg roll' Chad tasted them. They were hardly worth the time, the effort and the $23 price tag. Chad said he'll stick with his EggTastic which he reviewed a couple of weeks ago on the show. It was just $10 and worked fine.

Company website: http://www.tryrollie.com/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1549 

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

Our viewer video of the week arrived with this email:

Hey Dick and Chad!

I've just edited and uploaded my first video and it's all for you!

My gadget is my old Quasar VR1000 Video Recorder from 1977! It's not Beta, it's not VHS, it's not even U-Matic!

It's VR100, yes that was Quasar's model number as well as the format name.

I ran a little long, but please don't edit me. I promise I'll do better with my time the next time I submit a video.

Thanks for all you two do for the show and for Twit TV.

All the best, John W. Matthews Troy, MI

The link is: https://youtu.be/ve6JhU8AhhM  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1549 (Goes live late Friday 12/18/15)

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We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:

I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.

I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.

My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.

My Favorite Gadget of All Time: Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too. 

Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv

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We're alway love hearing from you with comments, suggestions, ideas for our 'viewer letter of the week'. So email us at mail@gizwiz.tv.